Blog Post

What’s Your Canine Match?

Sloan is a journalist based in Southern California. After writing about pop culture for a number of years, she has recently begun writing for a new audience. Inspired by DeAnthony, her cat, as well as her dog Max, Sloan now hopes to help other pet owners guarantee their animal companions happy and healthy lives.

Want to adopt a new canine companion? Your personality and lifestyle have a lot to say about what kind of dog to adopt. Adopting a dog is a huge responsibility. You are inviting a new friend to live in your home, and you will be responsible for its well-being.

What kind of dog you get will depend on a lot of factors that need to be determined before you even leave the house. Before hitting the pet shelter, it is a good idea to research different breeds, because they all have different requirements for their health and comfort (as well as yours!). Trying to find a mix of breeds that matches your parameters is the first and most important step to providing a puppy with a forever home. Here are some lifestyle types and the breeds that will make the best matches!

Active Athletes

Whether you are active because you like to keep fit or you just like to go out and play, you’re looking for a dog who is going to come with you. Jogging down the beach or playing catch in the yard, you like to be active, to play and to explore. Mixes that include high energy breeds like Jack Russell Terriers, Retrievers, Heelers or Weimaraners might be what you are looking for. Younger dogs in these mixes will have a lot of energy, and will cheerfully keep up with your activity. Size may also be a consideration if you don’t have a lot of space, so a retriever or a German shepherd may be too big; consider a terrier or a beagle mix instead.

Playful Personages

Playful dogs are a little different from active dogs. Playful breeds might prefer tug of war and fetch to keeping up with humans, and could potentially be a better match if your activity and exercise is more causal. These breeds also have a lot of fun playing with children. Dachsunds, Hounds, Pitties, Boxers and Jack Russell Terriers mixes are a great options if you’re looking for a playful dog. These bundles of energy are just as happy with a knotted rope or a chew toy as they are chasing the frisbee, and many remain playful well into their lives, so age is not a factor!

Apartment Dwellers

Do you have limited space? Consider a small breed mix like a Chihuahua or Yorkshire Terrier. Did you know Chihuahuas are the number 2 most-killed breed in shelters? Due to their small size they are easily bred by backyard breeders and often find themselves in shelters. Chihuahuas need our help and are a great fit for apartment dwellers.

Savvy Swimmers

Whether ocean, river, or lake, many dog owners live and play near water. If boating, swimming, and fishing are part of your lifestyle, then Labradors, Newfoundlands, and various retriever breeds love the water. These breed mixes are commonly found in shelters and rescues.

Casual Companions

Not everyone likes to go play outside. Many of us are less active, and just looking for a nice mellow four-legged friend to chill on the couch and share a slice of pizza with. If you’re looking for a more mellow canine, older dogs are an option, and many of them are rejected by people seeking puppies. Older dogs can be very loving companions and come with the benefit of having already had some training and experience around humans. Adopting a senior can be one of the most rewarding experiences you can give yourself.

Adopting any dog is a big decision, and should be treated with the same weight as inviting a human to live with you.The same kinds of considerations apply – will you get along well with your new dog?Will you be able to adequately fulfill its needs?You and your dog are going to have a special bond.Picking out the right dog depends most of all on how the dog will fit into your life.Know yourself, and you will find the perfect companion!